Marcus Rashford is not a bad apple according to a former Manchester United team-mate who says he was surprised by the England star leaving Old Trafford for Barcelona
13:59, 04 Sep 2025
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is now a Barcelona player
Phil Jones insists Marcus Rashford is not a bad apple - and can still become one of the greatest players in the world.
Rashford, 27, has courted headlines for all the wrong reasons in the last two seasons following the destruction of his relationship with Manchester United. The England forward fell-out with former United boss Erik ten Hag following a drinking binge in Belfast.
He also angered current boss Ruben Amorim after revealing he wanted to quit his hometown club. Rashford ended up going to Aston Villa on-loan last season, before being blocked from returning to pre-season training with United this summer.
He has now joined Barcelona on another loan deal, in a bid to revive his fading career. But former England and United team-mate Jones - who retired last year after battling a string of injuries and now coaches as part of United's youth set-up - insists Rashford is not a trouble causer, and remains one of the most talented footballers on the planet.
Jones, 33, speaking to Ladbrokes at the launch of 'Ladisfaction', said: "I was a bit surprised with the Rashford move. I’ve always said the key with Marcus is understanding him as a player and as a person.
Phil Jones (left) and Marcus Rashford (right) on England duty
Phil Jones (left) and Marcus Rashford (right) on England duty(Image: GETTY )
"If you can do that, you’ve got one hell of a player. He’s sensational. I’ve trained against him so many times, and he’s unstoppable.
"When he’s running at you, when he’s in form, on his day, no one is stopping him… he is that good.
"I can remember his first training session for England, and everyone was coming over to us just saying “wow, what a player”.
"Look, for one reason or another, it’s not worked out for him at United. But he’s got such a great opportunity now at Barcelona to get his career back on track.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona looks on during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907 at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Marcus Rashford is now a Barcelona player(Image: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
"He’s a superb player, but more importantly he’s a really nice lad. I think he often gets misinterpreted.
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"I know him well enough to be able to comment on it. People perceive him as this guy who isn’t bothered, or interested, but that’s absolutely not Marcus.
"I just hope it works out for him at Barcelona."